The Washington Capitals just missed out on Russian phenomenon Matvey Michkov, who dropped to seventh place with the Philadelphia Flyers.
With their eighth pick, the Capitals were selected Ryan Leonard In the 2023 NHL Draft.
Leonard is the right winger of the USA Hockey League’s National Under-18 Team Development Program.
Ryan Leonard is heading to DC! 🦅# I grow | @employee pic.twitter.com/gWWagoCDm9
– Sportsnet (Sportsnet) June 29, 2023
Boston College quarterback Leonard finished his 2022-23 season with a standout offensive performance at the USA U-18 World Championships. In seven games, Leonard He stormed the competition with 17 points (8g, 9a) and overtime score, the gold medal winner against Sweden.
In 57 matches for the U-18 national team, he amassed 94 points (51g, 43a) which was good for third best on the team. Leonard scored 20 points (11G, 9A) in 17 USHL games. Leonard played on the first line and was used in all positions, averaging over 17 minutes per game.
The striker was not among the top 10 companies selected by some national analysts.
# the capper Ryan Leonard marked eighth overall. I ranked it 18th overall.
Leonard scored nearly a goal per game in the NTDP, and more than a goal per game in the WJC-18. But his poor production (comparatively, relative to a recruiting position) in the USHL at D-1 and draft years knocks him a peg. pic.twitter.com/vA5uBWfJcW
– Patrick Bacon (TopDownHockey) June 29, 2023
During ESPN’s draft coverage, Emily Kaplan reported that a GM told her that Leonard reminded him of the Tkachuk brothers.
“I think it’s a nice (sic) tribute,” Leonard said on ESPN. “These guys are really special players. To be compared to these guys, it’s a huge tribute (sic-so-sic-so).”
When asked what Capitals fans might learn to love, Leonard replied “My competitiveness. I think that’s kind of like who I am.”
he added In advance video draft He brings “a lot of jams (to the team). Kinda a guy who can change the way the game is played in a few seconds with either a hit or a goal or something. I’m a power forward who brings it all up.”
Ryan Leonard is now Alex Ovechkin’s teammate: “I hope he doesn’t hit me with one timer or anything in training. It’s very special.”
– Ian Oland (@ianoland) June 29, 2023
ESPN analysts have compared Leonard to a Tom Wilson-lite player, who would have been a perfect fit for the Flyers.
“That’s the kind of guy you win with.”# capsdraft | @employee pic.twitter.com/haZy8CASF6
– Washington Capitals June 29, 2023
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